The original cabinets and flooring remain, but sophisticated colors enrich the once all-white kitchen. The palette lightens as it moves from newly stained oak floors to the brown island and peninsula to cafe au lait upper cabinets. New materials in the counters and backsplash reference all the hues.

Cottage colors on cabinets set the stage for tasteful updates. Pendant fixtures are a praticial addition because they bring light closer to the counter. Wrapping the counter in stainless steel is a modern and work-tough application. Curving brackets add visual dash. Laminate flooring was a snap to install over old vinyl. The green glass tile ribbon is a smart investment of funds in a field of inexpensive subway tile.

Knocking down a wall opened the opportunities in this 1926 neo-Tudor home. A new marble-topped island adds prep and eating space, and white paint transforms oak flooring. But it's the high-gloss, European-style laminate cabinets that establish the modern aesthetic, enhanced by the elegant marble backsplash.

A modest-size kitchen got vintage style and to-the-ceiling storage with custom cabinets outfitted with reproduction brass hardware. Because there is no plumbing or electrical in the island, they fashioned it to look like moveable furniture.

Though the white and dark wood cabinets lend visual interest, it's the accent tile behind the range that adds oomph to this redo. Keeping tile to a confined spot lowers cost and creates a focal point. Building cabinetry around the refrigerator also is a cost-saving move that provides the look of built-ins.

Kid-friendly materials withstand knocks while adding style. Acid-etched copper on cabinet doors creates a play of light on the dark purpleheart wood. Both materials withstand the knocks of soccer balls and grimy fingers. A cooktop in the island means mom can supervise the kids while working in the kitchen.

Storage still reaches the ceiling, but now it is clad in style. Cane-paneled doors conceal the refrigerator so it resembles an antique armoire. Appliances are in cabinetry with period details. The carved wood range hood was painted to mimic forged iron.

An addition at the rear of the house integrated the kitchen with the home. The new layout added space for a wood-topped island. Glass subway tile and granite countertops show off shades of green that pop against white cabinets.

Gone are the funky glass blocks and lackluster pickled oak. Now sleek stainless-steel appliances and glass-front cabinets set the stage for a bistro look. Stainless-steel panels back the revamped island.

Modern and traditional elements combine now. Stock cabinets form the island base. Replacing upper cabinets with stainless-steel shelves keeps the space bright and open. Cape Cod blue on the base cabinets speaks to the era of the home.